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Centuries & Sleuths wins Raven Award; Snowbound Books receives GLiBA's Buy Local Grant; Bunch of Grapes Bookstore welcomes new children's buyer; Talking Leaves recognized by University at Buffalo students

Centuries & Sleuths Wins Raven Award

The winners of the 2011 Raven Awards and Grand Master Award, chosen by the Mystery Writers of America, were announced this morning, Thursday, November 18.

The Raven Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the mystery field outside the realm of creative writing, was given to Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore in Forest Park, Illinois, and Once Upon a Crime in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Centuries and Sleuths is known for its frequent author events, and innovative literary and historical programs such as debates, mock trials, and “Meetings of the Mind,” where actors portraying historical figures are interviewed by the audience. The store was named one of the area's 10 best bookstores by the Chicago Tribune in 2007 and was nominated for Publishers Weekly’s “Bookseller of the Year” in 2008. In September, the store celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Once Upon a Crime owners Pat Frovarp and Gary Schulze are committed to introducing their customers to new authors. They read, review, promote, and hand-sell all mysteries – from small presses and new authors to the biggest bestsellers.

Sara Paretsky has been chosen as this year’s Grand Master, an award that represents the pinnacle of achievement in mystery writing.

The winners will be presented with their awards at the Edgar Awards Banquet, which will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City on Thursday, April 28, 2011.

Snowbound Books Receives GLiBA Buy Local Grant

The Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association has awarded Snowbound Books, in Marquette, Michigan, with a Buy Local Grant. The store will use the grant to work with the UP With Local organization to help promote local charities in Marquette and Alger counties.

Bunch of Grapes Bookstore Welcomes New Children's Buyer

Bunch of Grapes in Martha's Vineyard recently announced the newest addition to its staff. Susan Savory, who has extensive bookselling experience, will serve as the store's children's buyer.

From 1988-2003, Savory owned and operated Shoofly Pie, a children's bookstore in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. After closing her store, she managed Andover Bookstore in Andover, Massachussetts. Savory has a degree in illustration from Parson's School of Design.

Talking Leaves Recognized by University at Buffalo Students

The Spectrum, the independent student publication of the University at Buffalo, has bestowed the title of Town’s Best Bookstore on Talking Leaves. The Buffalo, New York, indie “offers the same products as a chain bookstore, yet it has a certain charm that only small bookstores can have,” the paper said. Store staff was applauded for being helpful and ready to find books for their customers, and the convenience of the adjoining café was noted.

Talking Leaves “is laid-back and homey, inviting you to find a new world in its pages,” The Spectrum said. “The small space looks a bit disheveled, but don't let it fool you. There's a science to this madness and you can find anything you need with ease. Popular and eclectic titles alike, there's a book for any and every reader.”